The Wrekin SE

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	Status:	The Wrekin (SE) is open to LMSC members only – Sensitive site, see below (a temporary day pass can be obtained by contacting any committee member).
	Grid ref:	SJ628081
	Latitude:	52.6667° (52° 40′ 0″ N)
	Longitude:	-2.55° (2° 33′ 0″ W)
	HG rating:	CP + 25 hours (A CP with less than 25 hours may still fly so long as they receive an onsite briefing from a coach or instructor for each visit)
	PG rating:	CP + 25 hours (A CP with less than 25 hours may still fly so long as they receive an onsite briefing from a coach or instructor for each visit)
	Takes wind:	120 ° – 150 ° (ESE – SE)
	Location:	[maps.google.co.uk] [www.multimap.com] [www.streetmap.co.uk]
	Maps:	1:50000 136 or Explorer 215
	Blue arrows = take-off areas Green triangles = landing fields Thick red line = power lines (note: not all power lines are shown) Red oblong = gates P = parking Click on map to increase size.
	Power lines near landing fields

SENSITIVITY

It is essential all pilots are BHPA members for the insurance cover this provides, while this is true for all LMSC sites this site is very popular with the public. Be especially careful not to put anyone at risk e.g. with poor launches, being blown backwards or top landings (do not attempt if there is not ample clear room). Walkers dogs are frequently not on leads, try to ensure none can get caught in your lines. If it is busy wait till it is clear to launch – politely ask people to move if necessary.

We may not leave vehicles at the top, however a single 4×4 may ferry equipment/pilots up and then be returned to the halfway house – see notes below.

Give the mast a good clearance – it has some very expensive equipment attached!

Fields below may have livestock – please land so as to avoid where possible!

Failure to follow the rules risks losing the site for everyone.

ACCESS

M54 junction 7, turn South. At 0.8 miles, close to a ‘T’ junction, the access track climbs off to the right. Parking is in the Wrekin Forest Glen or Ercall car parks or the (now much reduced) roadside parking. The Forest Glen car park will soon require payment by card or online (due May 2022). Traffic wardens regularly ticket those parking over the double yellow lines. It is ok to take a 4×4 vehicle up to the entrance to the TV mast, drop your kit off, and return the vehicle to the Halfway House and park the said vehicle on the left hand side of the gate (looking up the Wrekin) – do not leave a vehicle anywhere on top of the hill, the Halfway House is the ONLY place where we have permission to leave a single vehicle on the hill.

SPECTATORS AND THE PUBLIC

The Wrekin is a popular walking spot for the public and can be busy, please respect this and launch and fly sensibly. Take care not to be dragged back into the path of spectators and do not attempt to top land if people are in the way.

It is recommended your first visit, at least, is with someone suitably experienced in flying the site in different conditions. Also look at the accessible bottom landing field by the road before heading up to launch and the bottom landing fields immediately below launch you can view from launch itself.

FLYING

T/O altitude 1335 ft AMSL
Top to bottom SE 580 ft (NW more at 830ft)
Take-off: you have to be very careful where you try to launch from. It is possible to launch from the very top by the trig point, but not advisable in most conditions due to the rocks in front. Often better to go west about 150 metres just before the next set of huge rocks with a small bowl depression in the ground before them, with enough room to layout maybe 2 or 3 wings at most; here you’ll be further away from where walkers congregate too. No launch spot is easy – ensure you assess well, are capable and prepare thoroughly. Be careful the wind on launch is true of the real direction.
Top landing: not advisable. If your chosen landing area is busy then rather keep soaring or bottom land – its not acceptable to yell to people to move out of your way in preparing to top land nor to land close to members of the public.
Bottom landing: PG fields immediately below – do not land in taller mowing grass. If unsure, check with the farmer before flying. PG/HG field near tar road – watch for power lines and trees.
No paramotors allowed.
No dogs allowed.

AIRSPACE

There is significant airspace (MATZs/ATZs/Drop Zone) close to the Wrekin, downwind of the SE side. Check your airspace map carefully before going XC.

FIRING RANGE

The range is currently inactive.
Note the one metre high bank running across the middle of the range.

WARNING

Fields not marked ‘HG’ slope steeply. An up-slope/down wind landing is the only practical method for HG in an emergency.

SITE RULES

Pilots must be current LMSC members or have requested (with your BHPA number) and received confirmation of a temporary day pass
Pilots must be suitably rated & licensed and members of the BHPA.
All members shall observe the Countryside Code, in particular in relation to property and livestock. No livestock are to be frightened or stampeded by fliers.
No dogs
Any damage to be reported to the Estate Office (Tel 01743 232477) immediately. Farmers will be compensated for damage to crops or livestock, plus costs, if appropriate.

SITE RECORD

Richard Worley, 07.05.13, 104.3km to Rhyl. PG.

The Long Mynd Soaring Club